Evelle, is the winner of Nigerian Idol 2014

23-year old Zibili Evelyn Ibhade, who emerged winner of this year's edition of Nigerian Idol talent hunt show, has described her victory as one that came as a surprise to many, especially as she had fewer votes from the public, a week to the grand finale

Evelle defeated her closest rival Odugbemi Idowu Sarah, a.k.a Eye-D, who many tipped for the prize, during a spectacular grand finale held last weekend in Lagos.

By this victory, Evelle became the proud owner of a Hyundai Four Wheel Drive Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), in addition to N7.5 million, an Android tablet phone, an ipod and a recording deal with Universal Music Group.

Speaking shortly after announcing her as the winner, Evelle, amidst tears, dedicated the award to her mother, who is currently in hospital, having been involved in an auto crash two weeks ago on her way to Lagos to witness her daughter's performance.

'God first, then, my mum; it has to be my mum. I know this will make her feel much better than she is feeling right now. My victory came as a surprise to many, especially because I had fewer votes a week to the grand finale from the public compared to the number of votes received by Eye-D.

To actually get more people to vote for me, I went into my closet and prayed and said to God: I don't know how this is going to happen; I am going to give it my best shot and I want you to help me in such a way that even those who have been voting for my opponent will vote for me this time. That was my prayer, and I am sure that was what happened,' she added.

Evelle said she has long dreamed of having a car to mark her birthday and now, God has given her one. She felt on top of the world as she was handed the dummy cheque and car keys by the Director of Consumer Segment, Etisalat Nigeria, Oluwole Rawa, at the Dreams Studios, Bamako, Ogba, venue of the show. Evelle is a part-time singer at the Eko Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotels. Vanguard